Unbelievable facts about the German U-20 team

Nigeria secured runner-up spot with a 2-0 victory against Hungary. The African side’s reward for this achievement is a last-16 encounter with a sharp-shooting Germany which boost the most potent fire power in the tournament thus far.



Here are some interesting facts and stats about the junior Manschaft you might probably not know.

* Germany qualified for the FIFA U-20 world cup after winning the UEFA U19 tournament. They piped Portugal 1-0 in the final. Austria, Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia complete the European sextet.

* Germany U20 captain, Kevin Akpoguma, has Nigerian roots. “I’m half-Nigerian as my
father is Nigerian, and I’m glad to be able to say that.” the youngster told FIFA.com

* The Germans are Champions in 1981 and beaten finalist in 1987.

* Germany have been in fine scoring form during
their three group matches, finding the net 16 times breaking two records in the process:

1. Frank Wormuth’s players surpassed the record for most goals scored in the group stages held by Brazil since 1997 (15)

2. Broke their own previous best of 14 strikes set in 1987.

* The junior 'Mannschaft' has only conceded twice en route to the round of 16, showing how compact Germans are.

* The team has had 47 shots with 24 on target, averaging 1 goal in every 1.5 shot on target.

* No penalty has been awarded to this side, with 20 corners and booked twice in the tournament so far.

* Hany MUKHTAR and Marc STENDERA, both 20 lead the German goal hunt with 4 each, closely followed by Niklas STARK with 3 goals.

* With an average age of 18.5, Nigeria have the youngest panel of players to the
championship while the Germans are the opposite of the spectrum. With an average age of 19.9, Germany have the oldest squad to the competition.